Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz made an emotional appeal to the netizens and companies on Instagram, expressing the financial struggle she’s experiencing.
On her social media post, Hidilyn Diaz asked the private companies if she can receive a private sponsorship to fund her training for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, saying that she’s already suffering because of low-funding.
“It is okay to ask sponsorship sa mga private companies towards Tokyo 2020? Hirap na hirap na ako, I need financial support.” Diaz said.
“Sa tingin niyo ba okay lang kaya nahihiya kasi ako pero try ko kapalan mukha ko para sa minimithi kong pangarap para sa atin bansa na maiuwi ang Gold Medal sa Olympics,” she added.
The post of Diaz became the headlines of several news networks and made some of her fans to criticize the government for allegedly not supporting the silver medalist.
However, in a statement, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez revealed that Diaz already received 4.5-M pesos this year to fund her training in China, her coach Kaiwen Gao also receiving a monthly salary and food allowance.
They also added that they quickly made a new gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex after Diaz complained about the condition of the facilities there, saying that it’s hard to train if the training equipments there are already outdated.
“Hidilyn receives support from the PSC and the Philippine Airforce being enlisted personnel,” Ramirez said.
Last year, it was also revealed that Diaz received P3-M from the government.
“I do not think the government was remiss of its support to Hidilyn. Despite what it seems, we at the PSC choose to see her for what she is, a champion we will support on her dream to achieve more,” he said.
“it would be good for Hidilyn to visit us so we could talk and clarify matters.“ he added.